He then answered a question posed by a follower regarding whether the new season would consist of eight or 12 episodes, by replying: “12.”

Homeland executive producer Howard Gordon – who was 24‘s final showrunner – is the man credited with successfully pitching the idea of an ‘event series’ to Fox after plans for a 24 movie stalled yet again.

Although nothing official has been confirmed by either Fox or Sutherland, it is understood that negotiations have begun.

Sutherland has long been on record as insisting that he was not done with the series or the character of Bauer.